Israeli authorities have begun revoking work permits from residents of Qabatiya, a village in the northern West Bank. On Sunday, Palestinian workers from the village had their work permits confiscated and were prevented from crossing the border to reach their workplaces in Israel.

On Saturday evening the Israeli army lifted a three-day blockade of Qabatiya, imposed in the aftermath of a fatal shooting and stabbing attack carried out in Jerusalem by three teenagers from the village. The attack killed a 19-year-old border policewoman and left another seriously injured.

Ali Lakarna, a member of Qabatiya's city council and spokesperson for the Palestine Liberation Organization said Israeli forces have already revoked at least ten work permits, Ma’an News Agency reported. The measure was confirmed by a spokesperson for Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT).

The head of COGAT, Yoav Mordechai, ordered to freeze all work and trade permits of the extended families of the three attackers, who were shot dead at the scene. The houses belonging to the assailants’ families were identified to be demolished.

During the three-day blockade of Qabatiya at least 13 village residents were injured during clashes with Israeli forces, and a 15-year old boy was critically injured after being run over by a military jeep.

On Monday, however, the Israeli government announced a plan to allow 30 000 more Palestinians to work in Israel, in spite of the escalation of violence in recent months.

Around 58 000 Palestinians have work permits in Israel, and an estimated 120 000 work for Israelis, including some who work illegally and others who work in West Bank settlements.